7 Steps To Korean Glass Skin: Radiant, Smooth Complexion

Achieving that gorgeous, dewy skin all Koreans seem to have might seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible with a dedicated skincare routine. I researched and discovered exactly how Koreans achieve this flawless-looking skin, now known as “glass skin.”

The term “glass skin” refers to a smooth, clear, intensely hydrated complexion that looks poreless and has the luminosity of glass.

Based on Korean instructions, this guide will teach you the vital steps to achieve this luminous look. Each step plays a role in maintaining your skin’s health and boosting its natural glow. This article simplifies the process, making it easy to start your journey towards perfecting your skin.

7 Steps To Korean Glass Skin

Before I dive into the actual steps, I wanted to give a quick heads-up that YesStyle is having a mega sale going on right now with up to 50% off on popular K-Beauty Brands. If you ever wanted to try Korean skincare products and especially if you want to achieve glass skin, now is the time! YesStyle’s MEGA Sale is running from July 2^nd to July 9^th.

Double Cleanse With An Oil-Based Cleanser

Double cleansing begins with an oil-based cleanser. This step removes makeup, sunscreen, and sebum from your face. An oil cleanser helps to break down these products, leaving your skin clean and ready for the next steps in your routine.

I highly recommend the Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Light Oil Cleanser. It contains Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing properties while properly cleansing the skin. This makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. It gets amazing reviews from so many people!

You should start with a dry face. Apply the oil cleanser to your hands and then directly to your face. Massage it in circular motions for about a minute. This helps dissolve all the product build-up, which you can now wash away!

After massaging, add a bit of water to your face. This will emulsify the cleanser, turning it a bit more milky. Continue to massage for another 30 seconds.

Finally, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all the cleanser. Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel.

Double cleansing removes surface impurities and prepares the skin to better absorb other skincare products. Using an oil-based cleanser effectively ensures that your skin is clean without being stripped of its natural oils. This balance is key to maintaining healthy skin texture and appearance.

Use A Hydrating Toner

A crucial step in achieving Korean glass skin is using a hydrating toner. This step helps to prepare your skin for the next stages and adds the first layer of moisture.

Choose a gentle toner designed to boost hydration. Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts. These help keep your skin plump and smooth. The I’m From Rice Toner is a popular choice and a favorite of mine, too. It’s packed with goami extract, which helps brighten and hydrate the skin.

When applying, use your hands instead of a cotton pad. This will allow you to press the product more effectively into your skin. Pour a small amount into your palms and gently pat it onto your face. This helps your skin soak up the moisture and leaves it looking dewy.

Apply An Essence For Extra Hydration

An essence helps to hydrate your skin deeply and primes it for the following skincare steps. Using an essence can make your skin look plump and radiant.

To apply an essence, dispense a small amount onto your palms. Pat it gently onto your face and neck. This method allows the product to absorb more effectively into your skin.

Essences contain active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. They are lighter than serums but more concentrated than toners. This makes them an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

One popular option is the Mixsoon Bean Essence. This essence helps soothe and hydrate your skin, giving it a coveted glass-like appearance. It’s formulated to provide long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy.

Use an essence both in the morning and at night. Consistent use can improve your skin’s texture and overall hydration levels. Applying an essence can also enhance the effectiveness of other products in your routine.

Layer Lightweight Serums For Targeted Treatment

Layering lightweight serums can help you address specific skin concerns efficiently. Lightweight serums absorb quickly and deliver active ingredients deep into your skin.

When aiming for glass skin, you need serums like the APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Ampoule Serum. This serum provides hydration and brightens and evens out your skin tone. It’s lightweight and perfect for daily use. Products with niacinamide, vitamin C, or glutathione can help improve skin tone and reduce dark spots. That’s why I love the APLB serum for this.

You can also use a serum targeting wrinkles or fine lines. Ingredients like peptides and retinoids can help with skin renewal and collagen production. If you struggle with acne or blemishes, look for a serum that contains salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients can help reduce inflammation and keep pores clear.

Before you layer these ingredients, make sure you can use them at the same time of day, spread them between the morning and night, or even with a day between them. If the ingredients you picked can be used in the same routine, wait a minute or two between each layer to allow the serums to absorb fully.

Moisturize With A Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Cream

A key step to achieving Korean glass skin is moisturizing with a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream. These moisturizers hydrate your skin without clogging your pores, reducing the risk of breakouts. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture, and glycerin, which keeps skin hydrated. Non-comedogenic creams ensure your pores remain clear.

One great option is the medicube Collagen Jelly Cream. It provides intense hydration without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for achieving that smooth, glass-like finish. In the long run, this cream will improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles while strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier.

To apply, take a small amount of moisturizer and gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes. This helps boost circulation and ensures even distribution. Make sure to use your moisturizer both in the morning and at night. Consistency is key to maintaining hydrated, fresh-looking skin.

Use A Facial Mask At Least Once A Week

Facial masks provide intense hydration and nourishment, and Koreans are obsessed with them. They contain concentrated ingredients that deeply penetrate your skin, delivering moisture and nutrients.

One popular option is the SKINFOOD Egg White Pore Mask. This mask deeply cleanses pores and exfoliates by intensively absorbing sebum. The egg white extract firms and tones, leaving your skin looking smooth and refreshed.

When you use a facial mask, start by cleansing your skin thoroughly. Double cleansing is recommended for better results. Apply the mask evenly over your face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes.

Once the time is up, gently remove the mask and massage any remaining serum into your skin. This massage helps enhance absorption and provides a relaxing experience. Your skin will feel hydrated and rejuvenated.

Using a face mask regularly can help maintain the balanced moisture levels in your skin. It can also address specific skin concerns, such as dryness, dullness, and large pores. This addition to your skincare routine can contribute significantly to the glass skin effect.

Use Sunscreen To Protect Your Skin

Sunscreen is the most crucial step in your skincare routine. You probably have seen how Koreans try to avoid the sun as much as possible and slather their skin with SPF. This is because it shields your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging and damage. Even if you are indoors or on a cloudy day, UV rays can still impact your skin.

Using sunscreen like ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen can protect your skin while keeping it hydrated. It contains Inje’s Birch extract and Vita hyaluronic acid, which are known for their moisturizing properties. This lightweight sunscreen is a good option for everyday use.

When applying sunscreen, make sure to cover all exposed skin. Use it on your face, neck, and any other areas that might be exposed to the sun. It’s also important to reapply every two hours, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Sunscreen should be applied after all your other skincare products. This means you apply it last, after your moisturizer. This ensures maximum protection. Remember, even a small amount of sun exposure can affect your skin over time.

Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (but SPF 50 is even better) for adequate protection. Look for products labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect against UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.

What Is Korean Glass Skin

Glass skin is a skin ideal in Korea. It means skin that looks crystal-clear, poreless, translucent, and luminous — like a piece of glass.^[1] A glass-skin routine focuses on hydrating, brightening, and nourishing the skin for a smooth, radiant complexion. ^[2]

South Koreans and skincare go back thousands of years. All the way to the time of the Three Kingdoms era (37–668 BC), when the ideology of beauty standards was molded young-yook-il-chi-sa-sang, meaning ‘Within a beautiful body rests a beautiful soul.'”^[2]

Core Principles

The core principles of achieving Korean Glass Skin revolve around consistent skincare routines and high-quality products. Hydration is key, with products such as toners, serums, and essences playing a crucial role.

Just like the “7 Skin Method” in K-beauty, where you apply toner or essence up to seven times after washing your face, you should use several layers of light, hydrating products. This makes your skin look fresh, dewy, and smooth.

Key ingredients to look for are:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps your skin hydrated and plump.
• Niacinamide: Smooths out skin texture, reduces pores, and minimizes fine lines.
• Vitamin C: Brightens and evens out your skin tone.
• Gentle Chemical Exfoliants: Make your skin smoother.
• Ceramides: Strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture.
• Peptides: Boost collagen production for firmer, more elastic skin.
• Centella Asiatica: Soothes and calms the skin, promoting clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions